Święconka - Blessing of Food

Święconka, or the blessing of Easter foods, is an enduring and beloved Polish tradition. Baskets containing a sampling of Easter foods are brought to church to be blessed on Holy Saturday. The basket is traditionally lined with a white linen or lace napkin and decorated with sprigs of boxwood (bukszpan), the typical Easter evergreen. The blessing prayers specifically address the various contents of the basket, with special prayers for the meats, eggs, cakes & breads. Observing the beautiful foods and creations of other parishioners is one of the special joys of the event. 

A traditional Polish Święconka Basket:


While there are traditional Święconka Baskets and Foods, you are welcome to bring any basket or food you wish to have blessed.

The Blessing of Easter Foods will take place in the Undercroft of the Basilica of Saint Josaphat on Holy Saturday, March 31 at 1:00PM, 2:00PM, and 3:00PM.


For a complete schedule of Holy Week services at the Basilica, click here.